Gareth Jenkins has sent his support to the Wales U19 squad as they prepare to take on New Zealand in the semi-finals of the IRB U19 World Championships today (7.30pm).

The Welsh youngsters qualified to the top four of the tournament with two bonus-point wins over Samoa (33-20) and Argentina (29-0) after a round one defeat to New Zealand (37-14).

They have been rewarded with a prime Ravenhill semi-final against New Zealand and Wales Coach Jenkins said, "Everyone in the national team management is delighted with the success of the U19 squad.

"The players and coaches have done Wales proud and everyone here will be right behind the team tomorrow night. We will be encouraging them to go out and attack New Zealand from the outset.

"It is a fantastic achievement to reach the semis - it demonstrates just how much quality work is being done within the academy system in Wales at the moment.

"But it's not over yet. We know from the Pool matches that New Zealand are a very strong side but this is a one-off game and anything is possible - it's a case of keeping up the momentum and not giving up. At times like these you've got to have strong belief in yourselves and give it everything you've got and I'm sure the coaches and players will be doing just that.

"Wales have obviously grown as a team during this tournament and through the experience of the last three matches will be better prepared and more competitive for this game than they were when they came up against New Zealand on Day One of the event."

Wales have made two changes for this match after Friday's 29-0 victory over Argentina. Llantrisant and Blues prop Patrick Palmer has had to return home with ankle ligament damage and has been replaced in the squad by Pontypridd's Sam Hobbs who will take up a place on the bench tomorrow.

The other change sees scrum half Gareth Williams in the starting line-up in place of Bridgend's Rhys Webb.

Head coach Justin Burnell said, "We came here with the aim of achieving a top four finish. We can be pleased that we have done that, and be excited about our next two games in the championship.

"If we are to improve and move forward as a nation, we have to get out of our comfort zone and play regularly against the best sides in the world - the Southern Hemisphere sides. We have already played New Zealand, Samoa and Argentina in Pool matches, now we have New Zealand again - then either Australia or South Africa on Saturday, either in the final or the third/fourth place play-off.

"I am thrilled for this group of players and management. They are an extremely honest bunch and they are unsung heroes of Welsh rugby in a way. For many of them, this is the first taste of international rugby and they have all worked hard and just got on with whatever has been put in front of them."

Wales reached their first semi-final since 2013 in the opening round of this season's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie recaps on what proved to be an eventful tournament

Wales and Ospreys back row James King, who came through the North Wales age grade system, nominated North Wales Regional Community Rugby Manager Marc Roberts, in the WRU's 'Diolch' initiative where squad players thanked those who played a part in their rise to the top.

Beating Merthyr has boosted Carmarthen Quins hopes of reaching a top eight spot in the Principality Premiership. Quins captain Haydn Pugh is delighted with his team's progress and is determined that everyone from the Under 6s through to the senior team, enjoys the ride.

When the Wales squad were asked to nominate individuals who played a big part in their early playing days, Wales and Dragons full back and wing Hallam Amos thought of his former Monmouth School rugby coach John Bevan.

Sam Cross and Luke Treharne have been named as co-captains of the Wales Sevens side as head coach Gareth Williams names his 12-man squad to play in the first leg of the HSBC World Series in Dubai next weekend.

Bedwas head coach Steve Law and players Nicky Griffiths and Alun Rees extol the virtues of the close knit club as they prepare to host third place RGC 1404 - who are one place head of them on the Principality Premiership points table - on Saturday.

Many of the Wales squad have said Diolch (thank you) to someone who played an important part in their early playing days by nominating them to be invited to the Wales v South Africa match. One person, Gowerton Comprehensive geography teacher Mr Dean Mason was nominated by two of his former pupils, Dan Biggar and Sam Davies.

The second WRU disability rugby pilot has been delivered, this time in Caerphilly schools, culminating in a festival at the Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach tomorrow. Plans are in place to set up a Disability Rugby Club in Newbridge to provide long-term playing opportunities.

WRU TV: Hear from inside the Wales camp as Neil Jenkins discusses this weekend's clash with South Africa and how the squad are looking to put in a strong performance to round of the 2016 Under Armour Series